How to Make Mother of Vinegar

By Alicia Bodine

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Mother of vinegar is a substance that forms in fermenting alcoholic liquids. It occurs naturally and is actually cellulose that forms from bacteria. You can make your own vinegar with the mother of vinegar in it at home. There are a few things you need to do in order for the mother of vinegar to grow.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Fill a gallon container 1/4 full with vinegar.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Add apple cider to the gallon container until it is full.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Mix the two ingredients together.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Place a piece of cheesecloth over the opening to the gallon container. Secure it in place with a rubber band. This allows oxygen in but stops any dust or insects from getting in.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Set the gallon container in a place where it will remain above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The mother of vinegar cannot form in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media

Wait three to nine months until the mother of vinegar has formed and the apple cider vinegar is ready to use.

Tip

When you are ready to use the vinegar, you can filter out the mother of vinegar with a coffee filter.

The homemade vinegar will be very strong. You can dilute it with water to make it taste more like store-bought vinegar.

Warning

Never make mother of vinegar in a metal container. The acid in the vinegar will corrode the metal.

References

About the Author

Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.